USA Today Co.

USA Today Co.

USA Today Co., Inc., formerly known as Gannett, is an American mass media holding company based in New York City. It is the largest newspaper publisher in the United States. The company owns the national newspaper USA Today and many local newspapers, such as the Detroit Free Press, The Indianapolis Star, and The Cincinnati Enquirer.

In 2015, Gannett split into two companies. One focused on TV broadcasting and became Tegna. The other continued as Gannett, focusing on newspapers. In November 2019, New Media Investment Group merged its GateHouse Media subsidiary into Gannett, making it the largest newspaper publisher in the U.S.

On November 4, 2025, the company announced it would change its name to USA Today Co. The new name became official on November 18, 2025, and the company's stock now trades under the ticker "TDAY."

History

1906–1983

Gannett Company, Inc. started in 1923 by Frank Gannett in Rochester, New York. It grew from a small newspaper called the Elmira Gazette in Elmira, New York. Gannett bought more newspapers and built a large group.

In 1957, Paul Miller became the leader of Gannett. He tried to get a newspaper in Florida but had some problems. Later, Al Neuharth helped Gannett buy the Democrat and Chronicle in Rochester. In 1966, Gannett started Florida Today, which became very popular. Miller was succeeded by Al Neuharth in 1973.

Gannett bought Combined Communications Corp. in 1978, adding major newspapers and TV stations. In 1979, they bought The News Journal and The Tennessean. Gannett launched USA Today in 1982, which became a well-known national newspaper.

1984–2013

John Curley became leader in 1984. The company moved to Arlington County, Virginia in 1986. Gannett formed a TV production company and took over production of Inside Washington.

Douglas McCorkindale became CEO in 2000. In 2005, Gannett started using mobile journalists to report news. In 2010, they raised executive pay but later laid off employees. In 2012, Gannett put a limit on free online articles.

Acquisition of Belo Corporation, 2013

In 2013, Gannett bought Belo Corporation for $1.5 billion, adding 20 TV stations and becoming a top broadcaster. Some people were concerned about competition, but the deal went through after Gannett agreed to sell one station.

Acquisition of London Broadcasting Company stations, 2014

In 2014, Gannett bought six TV stations from London Broadcasting Company for $215 million. This made Gannett own stations in many parts of Texas.

Split and further deals, 2014–2018

In 2014, Gannett announced it would split into two companies: one for newspapers and one for broadcasting. The newspaper part kept the Gannett name, while the broadcasting part became Tegna. Gannett also bought several media groups and newspapers.

Sale to GateHouse Media and relationship with Softbank, 2019

In 2019, New Media Investment Group, parent of GateHouse Media, bought Gannett. The new company kept the Gannett name. The management said they would cut costs.

COVID-19 pandemic, 2020

In 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gannett had to cut jobs.

Reduction of editorial content, 2022–2024

In 2022, Gannett decided to reduce opinion pieces in its newspapers because readers preferred straight news. In 2024, Gannett stopped paying for news from the Associated Press but will still use some of their content.

Financial conditions and layoffs 2022

In 2022, Gannett faced financial difficulties. They cut jobs, asked employees to take unpaid leave, and stopped matching 401(k) contributions. They also closed some community newspapers and moved to online-only content.

List of acquisitions

List of assets

Main article: List of assets owned by USA Today Co.

USA Today Co. owns many newspapers in the United States. Its biggest paper is USA Today, which is based in New York City. The company also publishes local newspapers in many cities and towns.

Some of these newspapers include:

• Ventura County Star of Camarillo, California
• The Arizona Republic of Phoenix, Arizona
• Detroit Free Press of Detroit, Michigan
• El Paso Times of El Paso, Texas
• The Journal Sentinel of Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• The Indianapolis Star of Indianapolis, Indiana

Directors and senior executives

Gannett had a board of directors and senior executives.

In 2011, the chairman, president, and chief executive officer Craig A. Dubow left for health reasons. Gracia Martore became the new leader. She had been the company's chief operating officer for 26 years.

From 2005 to 2008, Sue Clark-Johnson led Gannett's Newspaper Division. In 2019, Barbara Wall became the interim chief executive officer after Bob Dickey retired.

Mike Reed became Gannett's Chief Executive Officer in 2020. Before him, Paul Bascobert was CEO for ten months, starting in 2019.

Headquarters

In 2001, the company built its main office at the Valo Park business park in Tysons, Virginia. The big building covered 1.5 million square feet and had fun places like a path for jogging, softball fields, tennis courts, and a fitness center.

In February 2024, Gannett left that office and planned to move to a smaller space in New York City, starting on March 31.